5.1 Speaker System $10-15k

[obitankenobi]

Has anyone heard speakers in this price range they would recommend listening to?

Paired up to Marantz AV8003/MM8003 set-up in a large room.

2/3rd home theatre use, 1/3rd music, i.e. significant amount of both but probably a little more for HT, although musicality would be really important.

Obi

[50mxe20]

Paradigm Signature Series or Focal Electra's.

[obitankenobi]

Thanks lyle,

I hadn't thought about the Paradigm's.

Obi

[50mxe20]

Thanks lyle,

I hadn't thought about the Paradigm's.

Obi

Have not heard them but very much like the Studio 100's.

Have to assume the S6 or S8's would be a logical step up and in your price range.

WRT the Focals there is also an Electra 1027S which is the same as the normal 1027 but without the Berylium tweeter.

About 75% of the cost of the normal Electras.

[*Psycho!*]

I have the Paradigm Signatures S6 with C3 Centre and S1's for surrounds. In your price range and its simply exceeeding my expectations every day. I am running AVR Marantz 7002 but also with an Elektra Pre-amp and Elektra 7Ch power amp . I run the two Sig 6's up front bi-amped and well as I say it simply blows me away every day. I reckon the speakers just keep getting better and better. I did almost a year of research and auditioning before I settled on this setup and saw and heard a LOT of speakers available to me. The finish on them is without fault and lovley (on par with sonus faber ect..).

Have fun selecting but take your time. cheers/

[dantan]

I have the Paradigm Signatures S6 with C3 Centre and S1's for surrounds. In your price range and its simply exceeeding my expectations every day. I am running AVR Marantz 7002 but also with an Elektra Pre-amp and Elektra 7Ch power amp . I run the two Sig 6's up front bi-amped and well as I say it simply blows me away every day. I reckon the speakers just keep getting better and better. I did almost a year of research and auditioning before I settled on this setup and saw and heard a LOT of speakers available to me. The finish on them is without fault and lovley (on par with sonus faber ect..).

Have fun selecting but take your time. cheers/

G'day Psycho,

It is good to hear that you have finally set up your system and most of all, it is great to hear that after a year of research and auditioning (and I know all these from the other forum I used to frequent and discuss with you last year) that you are able to sit down, relax, and ENJOY your set-up. Well done, mate. You have lovely gear there, mate.

[dantan]

Has anyone heard speakers in this price range they would recommend listening to?

Paired up to Marantz AV8003/MM8003 set-up in a large room.

2/3rd home theatre use, 1/3rd music, i.e. significant amount of both but probably a little more for HT, although musicality would be really important.

Obi

G'day Obi,

I would recommend to audition Krix loudspeakers; exceptionally good value-for-money, well-built, and Australian-made. Krix has a lot of cinema experience, too, which shows in the loudspeakers they produce.

2 pairs of Krix Neuphonix + 1 Krix Epicentrix centre channel + 1 Krix Seismix 5 sub-woofer. Total RRP for these would be just over $10,000.00 but you should be able, I reckon, to be able to get up to 20% off RRP if you purchase these all at the same time.

Otherwise, I would also recommend auditioning Monitor Audio Gold Series loudspeakers; they are really good, too.

Loudspeakers are extremely personal, and difficult to recommend, purely because what sounds good to me might not be as favourable to you - or my next-door neighbour.

Make sure you bring along DVD's/Blu-Ray Discs and CD's and other source material you are familiar with, and whatever sounds best to you (ensure that the amplification used will be the same or similar to the MM8003/AV8003 combo you will be purchasing or have purchased), purchase them, sit back, relax, and most of all, ENJOY it.

All the Best with your loudspeaker auditioning, mate.

Dan.

Edited October 6, 2008 by dantan

[dham]

Has anyone heard speakers in this price range they would recommend listening to?

Paired up to Marantz AV8003/MM8003 set-up in a large room.

2/3rd home theatre use, 1/3rd music, i.e. significant amount of both but probably a little more for HT, although musicality would be really important.

Obi

I have a pair of B&W 804s in front, HTM4 Centre and old DS6 at rear connected ti AV8003 and MM8003 ... SQ is brilliant .... thinking of going 7.1 soon with a pair of 605s ...

[obitankenobi]

I have a pair of B&W 804s in front, HTM4 Centre and old DS6 at rear connected ti AV8003 and MM8003 ... SQ is brilliant .... thinking of going 7.1 soon with a pair of 605s ...

Dhammika, how do you cope with the large HTM4 centre speaker positioning? Doesn't the large size and tweeter block your field of view?

I will definitely have a listen of the 804's.

Don't know the DS6, but looks like the rears don't have to be too flash to get a great sound then?

Obi

[obitankenobi]

G'day Obi,

I would recommend to audition Krix loudspeakers; exceptionally good value-for-money, well-built, and Australian-made. Krix has a lot of cinema experience, too, which shows in the loudspeakers they produce.

2 pairs of Krix Neuphonix + 1 Krix Epicentrix centre channel + 1 Krix Seismix 5 sub-woofer. Total RRP for these would be just over $10,000.00 but you should be able, I reckon, to be able to get up to 20% off RRP if you purchase these all at the same time.

Otherwise, I would also recommend auditioning Monitor Audio Gold Series loudspeakers; they are really good, too.

Loudspeakers are extremely personal, and difficult to recommend, purely because what sounds good to me might not be as favourable to you - or my next-door neighbour.

Make sure you bring along DVD's/Blu-Ray Discs and CD's and other source material you are familiar with, and whatever sounds best to you (ensure that the amplification used will be the same or similar to the MM8003/AV8003 combo you will be purchasing or have purchased), purchase them, sit back, relax, and most of all, ENJOY it.

All the Best with your loudspeaker auditioning, mate.

Dan.

Thanks Dan,

This is really good advice and I've tried to do that - bring the same CDs which test highs and lows as a quickie test.

I've had a chance to listen to the Neuphonix. I've got to say, it might have been the set-up in the shop, but they didn't really grab me.

I had a chance to listen to the Monitor Audio Platinum PL300 although not with the AV8003/MM8003 and they sounded a lot better albeit paired with different components (so difficult to make accurate comparison) although at a considerable price premium to the Neuphonix.

I wish these audio shops would stay open late every night. I have to patiently wait till Saturday to try out new speaker combos!!!

Obi

[obitankenobi]

I have the Paradigm Signatures S6 with C3 Centre and S1's for surrounds. In your price range and its simply exceeeding my expectations every day. I am running AVR Marantz 7002 but also with an Elektra Pre-amp and Elektra 7Ch power amp . I run the two Sig 6's up front bi-amped and well as I say it simply blows me away every day. I reckon the speakers just keep getting better and better. I did almost a year of research and auditioning before I settled on this setup and saw and heard a LOT of speakers available to me. The finish on them is without fault and lovley (on par with sonus faber ect..).

Have fun selecting but take your time. cheers/

Psycho,

I am really curious to test out these Paradigms. Anyone know who stocks these speakers in Sydney? Eastwood Hifi?

Also, newbie question, you're running your AVR to pre-amp then power amp and then out to speakers?

Obi

[Jliang70]

No one else has recommended aslan speakers but I think aslan Minstral and scan speak base speakers is well worth auditioning for your budget.

[dham]

Dhammika, how do you cope with the large HTM4 centre speaker positioning? Doesn't the large size and tweeter block your field of view?

I will definitely have a listen of the 804's.

Don't know the DS6, but looks like the rears don't have to be too flash to get a great sound then?

Obi

Obi,

I have a custom made unit for the gear and HTM4 is located in a compartment below the plasma. It is jutting out a bit to the front but does not affect the field of view.

I know about the DS6 but I kept it out of old 603s and CC6. I may look at changing them towards the end of the year.

Cheers

Dham

[50mxe20]

Psycho,

I am really curious to test out these Paradigms. Anyone know who stocks these speakers in Sydney? Eastwood Hifi?

Also, newbie question, you're running your AVR to pre-amp then power amp and then out to speakers?

Obi

Eastwood certainly have some. They are listed on their website and there is a price list there as well.

[dantan]

Thanks Dan,

This is really good advice and I've tried to do that - bring the same CDs which test highs and lows as a quickie test.

I've had a chance to listen to the Neuphonix. I've got to say, it might have been the set-up in the shop, but they didn't really grab me.

I had a chance to listen to the Monitor Audio Platinum PL300 although not with the AV8003/MM8003 and they sounded a lot better albeit paired with different components (so difficult to make accurate comparison) although at a considerable price premium to the Neuphonix.

I wish these audio shops would stay open late every night. I have to patiently wait till Saturday to try out new speaker combos!!!

Obi

Hi Obi,

I purchased my pair of Neuphonix about August last year, and initially only had a lowly Denon AVR2807 to power them. Needless to say, they were massively under-powered, and were nowhere near at their best. About April this year, I purchased an Integra DTR7.8 and bi-amped my Neuphonix, and they were now much, much better powered and performing significantly better, but at the end of the day, a mid-range A/V Receiver can only power a certain level of loudspeaker, and a 4ohm large floor-standing loudspeaker is always going to be a difficult task.

Then, in July, I purchased a new NAD M25 7-channel power amplifier and bi-amped my Neuphonix, and they are now absolutely singing their 'lungs' out. These loudspeakers need really good amplification, otherwise, they will never ever sound anywhere near how good they actually are - at their price, anyway.

Another brand I would urge you to consider is UK-brand ProAc. The Studio 140's are excellent; they retail for $5,699.00 but there's huge margin in the ProAc's, and I have been offered them for well under $4,000.00. Stunning loudspeakers. Otherwise, if you want even better from ProAc, the Response D28's retail for about $13,000.00, I think, but I have not had the chance to audition them, as the store did not have them in stock.

You cannot compare the Monitor Audio Platinum Series PL300 to the Krix Neuphonix! The PL300's retail for like $13,000.00 as opposed to $3,200.00 for the Krix Neuphonix's. If I could afford this sort of money, the PL300 will be on top of my list, but the PL300 would need really high-end electronics to really sing, as well.

[mr-happy-pants]

No one else has recommended aslan speakers but I think aslan Minstral and scan speak base speakers is well worth auditioning for your budget.

+1 for Andrew @ Aslan. This man knows what he is doing.

Do yourself a favour, ring or email Andrew before you hand over $.

http://www.aslanacoustics.com.au/ (don't be put off by the website)

Also, don't ignore 'quality looked after 2nd hand'

There are real quality bargains to be had in your price range.

There are other Oz manufacturers as well eg Osborn, Whatmough, SGR etc.

There is a list here on a thread somewhere.

Maybe try a DTV search.

Buy your kids a job; buy Australian product. There is some exceptional Oz product available.

MrHP

Edited October 8, 2008 by mr-happy-pants

[Juicester]

Buy your kids a job; buy Australian product.

what if his kids aren't speaker makers though?

[mr-happy-pants]

what if his kids aren't speaker makers though?

I was pretty sure someone would say it.

I wasn't sure who it would be.

Your it!

[Juicester]

I was pretty sure someone would say it.

I wasn't sure who it would be.

Your it!

no, you're it.

"Pants always beats no pants."

(jerry seinfield: I'm telling you for the last time)

[POV]

I've had a chance to listen to the Neuphonix. I've got to say, it might have been the set-up in the shop, but they didn't really grab me.

Obi

Hi Obi,

I to was uderwhelmed by Neuphonix..........and thats fair enough as we are all different. My advice is don't buy into all the unsubstantiated talk about how Australian made speakers are better value for money, this is simply not true imho. This is not to say that there aren't good value aussie products available though. I highly recomend checking out aussie brand Sonique, they have an all new range of high end speakers called diamond series and they are seriously awsome, build quality and sound quality that wipes the floor with neuphonix imo. Have a chat to Steve Lund at Sonique, he's an awsome guy and more than happy to discuss their products. Otherwise if your looking at Paradigm, Focal And MA then you are on a pretty good track in my mind. Best of luck with it all.

Drew

[obitankenobi]

+1 for Andrew @ Aslan. This man knows what he is doing.

Do yourself a favour, ring or email Andrew before you hand over $.

http://www.aslanacoustics.com.au/ (don't be put off by the website)

Also, don't ignore 'quality looked after 2nd hand'

There are real quality bargains to be had in your price range.

There are other Oz manufacturers as well eg Osborn, Whatmough, SGR etc.

There is a list here on a thread somewhere.

Maybe try a DTV search.

Buy your kids a job; buy Australian product. There is some exceptional Oz product available.

MrHP

Thanks Mr H. Pants

you're right about the Alan website. Someone have a word to the poor guy. What an eye-sore (from a techy web-site design viewpoint). It's not doing his merch any justice.

Do SGR have a showroom or distributor in Sydney anyone know about?

Obi

[obitankenobi]

Obi,

I have a custom made unit for the gear and HTM4 is located in a compartment below the plasma. It is jutting out a bit to the front but does not affect the field of view.

I know about the DS6 but I kept it out of old 603s and CC6. I may look at changing them towards the end of the year.

Cheers

Dham

Hi Dham,

you must be in B&w heaven. Would be interested in seeing your custom-made unit. Do you have a photo you can share?

Obi

[obitankenobi]

Hi Obi,

I to was uderwhelmed by Neuphonix..........and thats fair enough as we are all different. My advice is don't buy into all the unsubstantiated talk about how Australian made speakers are better value for money, this is simply not true imho. This is not to say that there aren't good value aussie products available though. I highly recomend checking out aussie brand Sonique, they have an all new range of high end speakers called diamond series and they are seriously awsome, build quality and sound quality that wipes the floor with neuphonix imo. Have a chat to Steve Lund at Sonique, he's an awsome guy and more than happy to discuss their products. Otherwise if your looking at Paradigm, Focal And MA then you are on a pretty good track in my mind. Best of luck with it all.

Drew

Drew you're not working for Sonique are you?

Noticed you use Paradigms in your set-up. How do you find them?

Obi

[obitankenobi]

Hi Obi,

I purchased my pair of Neuphonix about August last year, and initially only had a lowly Denon AVR2807 to power them. Needless to say, they were massively under-powered, and were nowhere near at their best. About April this year, I purchased an Integra DTR7.8 and bi-amped my Neuphonix, and they were now much, much better powered and performing significantly better, but at the end of the day, a mid-range A/V Receiver can only power a certain level of loudspeaker, and a 4ohm large floor-standing loudspeaker is always going to be a difficult task.

Then, in July, I purchased a new NAD M25 7-channel power amplifier and bi-amped my Neuphonix, and they are now absolutely singing their 'lungs' out. These loudspeakers need really good amplification, otherwise, they will never ever sound anywhere near how good they actually are - at their price, anyway.

Another brand I would urge you to consider is UK-brand ProAc. The Studio 140's are excellent; they retail for $5,699.00 but there's huge margin in the ProAc's, and I have been offered them for well under $4,000.00. Stunning loudspeakers. Otherwise, if you want even better from ProAc, the Response D28's retail for about $13,000.00, I think, but I have not had the chance to audition them, as the store did not have them in stock.

You cannot compare the Monitor Audio Platinum Series PL300 to the Krix Neuphonix! The PL300's retail for like $13,000.00 as opposed to $3,200.00 for the Krix Neuphonix's. If I could afford this sort of money, the PL300 will be on top of my list, but the PL300 would need really high-end electronics to really sing, as well.

Mmm Dan... you're making me wonder whether my Marantz pre and amp are going to be enough!

Obi

[mr-happy-pants]

you're right about the Alan website. Someone have a word to the poor guy. What an eye-sore (from a techy web-site design viewpoint). It's not doing his merch any justice.

Do SGR have a showroom or distributor in Sydney anyone know about?

G'day obi

http://www.sgraudio.com.au

SGR Audio is based in Melbourne, higher-end stuff. Give 'em a call to find out if they have a Sydney presence. I'm not sure.

Re amp power, what if you go for higher efficiency speakers & sub? A lways a valid option.

If you're in Sydney, you should consider dropping in to see Aslan just for curiosity if nothing else.

But I'm sure he'll be at Bathurst this weekend. Vroooom.

Take your time with this stuff.

MrHP